Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1887-05-04
Gales aud Sketthfs.
PROVENCE ROSE .
CONTINUED from Yesterday. J

lett Htr sue couiu HOt feet. IL was ~
O'Clock and the night was dreary one.
The fog had turned to a dreary driZzle,
and the pavements looked Shiny and for
bidding in the pale glimmer of the street
lamps.
Rose shuddered as she looked out. A
child # the sun, she shrank from the
cold and the Jog and storm, but she faced
it, nevertheless. wrapping herself in a
waterproof and covering her black felt
hat with vail.
II have no time to lo>e,'' she said. and
the scarlet spot flew back to her cheeks,
though her teeth were chattering. He
will be busy. tomorrow. | must see him
to night
Once out in the streets she was sensible
of cold misery that penetrated her be-
ing. She was too absorbed in her mis-
sion to analyze it or to n )tice that her kid
slippers were soaked and sodden.
at is chance" she said to herself,
and | must not let it 60"
She had calculated well. Zachary Shell
don had expected to hear her sing that
night. and was even now emerging in a
very bad humor from the hall.
The blonde Lillian was smiling on him
in vain. He excused himself and plunged
into the fog-a big. unwieldly figure, who
looked capable OF making his way through
the mist that seemed solid enough to lean
against He stopped with a jerk as little
trembling hand was laid on his arm.
You said-you said" faltered Rose,
almost in tears, that if | ever wanted a
friend and, Oh want one now"
why. bless my sonl," my dear little
girl. said Zachary, "to be sure. Come
right in here-t's all right-and tell me
all about It."
Rose did not pause. She scarcely
glanced at the place, which was. in reall.
W, an apparently respectable ice cream
saloon. There was a little room at the
back entirely deserted. The night was
too dreary for the chilly dainty.
They sat down at a table. and Zachary
called for something, Rose did not notice.
She could not swallow, and the cake and
wine remained untouched.
The blonde Lillian, who had been snub-
bed, stood for IL moment in silent wrath.
She had designs on the broker, and saw
plainly that Rose was in her way. She
recognized the lovely tace in the hight of
a street lamp.
The brazen thing!" she muttered ;
''to lie in wait for HIM in that way. when
she pretended to give hun the cold Shout
der before tolks,"
A dark form that seemed bindlY STUN
bling along in the fog passed by, and she
called out:
Just moment sooner, Mr.. Erskine,
and YOU would have found her"
Herr who?" muttered Vance in a
startled tone.
"Ah, what , the one woman in the uni
verse. to be sure - the Provence Rose
She's primrose generally, but tonight
All. | always suspect the prim ones. Now
am frankly "a, It's all open and above
board But " no would suspect that little
puss of scheming for the favor of the rich
broker There they go. turning into
Minaud's. declare. Well. I've had some
pretty little rackets at Mipaud's.
Vance had grown white to the lips. He
stopped not for word, but sprang after
the retreating couple. He saw them enter
the restaurant. and then he stopped to
catch his breath. He was painting like a
runner. He had reached his goal and
knew not what to do next. mad, I'M
reasoning jealousy had gained possession
of him. The rain increased, and he stood
out in it, miserably wondering what he
should do.
Rose sat at the table. the wine glass in
her hand Her eyes tell under the ardent
gaze OF the man near her, who had been
listening to her passionate pleading for
another. His heart had grown as heavy
as lead.
s a h, ! m
money to release a man hate, what am |
to have-what will be my rcward?"
Rose looked into the mans eyes and
her face blanched.
i've will work and pay you back, :"
she said And oh. it must be grand to
be able to help a human being who is
driven to The wall-to save soul alive. -"
Zachary was abashed before the pure
innocence of the girl. The divine spark
that had nearly gone out III the choke
damps of sin lamrd up for moment.
lie though of lite sister who had died
when he was boy. He drew out fis
check book and filled out check.
Il will not ask much" he said. with an
uneasy laugh. You are asking me to
help a rival"
Rose flushed and drew back AS he
handed the check to her.
The conditions" she fatered
There was proud dignity in her face.
Remember me in your prayers" said
ZACHARY, laughing
At this moment Vance made his way
to the door. His face grew white and
hard aud scornful as he looked.
what is he giving her?' he thought,
the flame kindling in his eyes. BY Ju-
pter, she is false, This meeting with such
a mani"
What was she saying9
He must not know
"Of course not,' said Zachary. holding
the little hand moment longer than was
necessary. and looking into the lovely
eyes.
Vance waited no longer. With a
smothered oath. he faced the two, who
stared IN astonishment and tell apart.
The girls face grew gray in its pallor.
But there seemed to be flames before
Vance's eyes and his heart gave great
throb Of pain. Rose started. and LAID her
hand on his arm. in terror at the ex-
preston OF his face.
Come away, can explain" she said.
She saw his face as in mist. Every
thing swan before her.
He shook her hand off angIily. His
eyes grew burning hot. The blood surged
through his brain.